Upgraded to spikes on Sub

[Ern Dog]

I upgraded my subs feet with some new Black chrome spikes from Parts Express for $20. It seems like it has helped with bass extension, but I can't say for sure. If anything I think it looks cooler. I never did like the original feet.

[RuSsMaN]

Looks like they were made for it.

[brijenjas]

Do you have to chase it around now?:D
Those metal feet look slippery on that wooden floor.

[hearingimpared]

I upgraded my subs feet with some new Black chrome spikes from Parts Express for $20. It seems like it has helped with bass extension, but I can't say for sure. If anything I think it looks cooler. I never did like the original feet.

I have some brass pads to protect your floor and keep the sub from walking around, see this thread. (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51304)

[michael_w]

Looks to me like he's already got it sitting on similar pads... or are they just nickles? Hard to tell from that shot ;)

[Ern Dog]

The kit included little discs, about the size of a nickel that the spike sits in to keep it in place. Not sure if you can see it in the pic. It also includes a rubber adhesive that attaches on the bottom of each disc. Here is the link for more info if any body is interested. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=240-715

I also tried to tested them on my Rti10's but the thread was different so they wouldn't screw on. It would be a nice upgrade to the black plastic ones that come stock because they come to a sharper point, they are made of solid brass, plus they look better and might even sound better.

[MSALLA]

They look good I might have to try those.

[jmwest1970]

I've been thinking about spikes as I have carpet. In the mean time I've talked to a few people and read about using marble or granite slabs on the carpet instead. I couldn't find what I considered an affordable 18"x18" solution.

The other day I was watching my wife put together some flower arragement using glass beads and the light bulb came on. These little things might work also. I tried some quarter inch round glass beads first. They were almost swallowed by the feet on the bottom of the sub as they have a hole to remove the screws that keep them attached. I think I noticed some improvement in response, but nothing too dramatic.

Today, I finally found some 1" glass spheres. I've replaced the smaller ones with them and can definitely hear a difference. I'm still trying to decide if it's a good difference or not. Attached is a pic of the current setup.

[Early B.]

I've been thinking about spikes as I have carpet. In the mean time I've talked to a few people and read about using marble or granite slabs on the carpet instead. I couldn't find what I considered an affordable 18"x18" solution.

Easy. Got to your local Home Depot or Lowes and buy an 18" x 18" cement garden tile. Costs about $4.58 ea. Spray paint it black, if you like.

[jmwest1970]

Easy. Got to your local Home Depot or Lowes and buy an 18" x 18" cement garden tile. Costs about $4.58 ea. Spray paint it black, if you like.

I've looked at those, but didn't think a single 3/8" piece would provide the density required to make a difference, and really didn't want to get into glueing them as Polkmaniac did. I found some 1/2" granite tile in 18"x18" at a local building supply company, however at $30 a tile I'd be better off ordering on of the 1" precuts I've seen on the web.

[schwarcw]

SVS and other sub vendors don't recommend spikes. I don't know exactly why. The guy at SVS told me their experience was they caused more problems and the improvments in SQ was questionable. Notice on their website they don't try to sell you spikes. They'll sell you everything else, cables, meters, disks, T-shirts, etc. I'm sure if they thought spikes would make a sonic improvement for you, the would offer them for sale.

Something about subs and spikes that don't mix. Please chime in on this topic if you have some knowledge to share.

[Bill Ayotte]

When I talked to the fine people at Sunfire about spikes, they sent me a new set of beefy rubber feet for free and suggested I get a granite slab of some sort....I remember that it should be at least 1/2" thick...

[seeclear]

I've looked at those, but didn't think a single 3/8" piece would provide the density required to make a difference, and really didn't want to get into glueing them as Polkmaniac did. I found some 1/2" granite tile in 18"x18" at a local building supply company, however at $30 a tile I'd be better off ordering on of the 1" precuts I've seen on the web.


I think he is talking more about a concrete paver--the ones I used for my patio were 16 x 16 and about 2" thick, and those puppies were HEAVY. fwiw

[jmwest1970]

I think he is talking more about a concrete paver--the ones I used for my patio were 16 x 16 and about 2" thick, and those puppies were HEAVY. fwiw

I made a quick run around the local Home Depot and Lowe's and did see some pavers like you're talking about, but they were all 6" x 6". I'll have to take a closer look and see if I missed the larger ones. Thanks for the suggestion.

[honda cber]

they have them... not the paver bricks, mind you (in my HD they arent in the same place, either). some call them "stepping stones", and the big box stores will have several sizes and colors. you can wrap them in felt, or really whatever you want. the felt is handy because it sticks to the concrete.
like this:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v728/allanlroyal/lilsub.jpg
this sub is interesting in that it is small, has a fast response, and digs deep enough for the IDM that often finds itself playing on my system. these blocks, however, did a lot to tighten it up and keep it in one place; much more effective than spikes were, or the feet that came with it. it really wanted to walk on the pergo flooring, and it isnt *that* ugly.
also, i have blocks on top of my HT sub, but found the spikes to work well on the carpet. that thing really wants to move and shake when shit starts exploding, lol.
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